Published: Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 9:57 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 11:50 p.m.

DAYTONA BEACH -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President John Johnson was honored Thursday night for his volunteerism, philanthropy and impact on the community.

The Community Foundation of Volusia & Flagler said Johnson has steered Embry-Riddle to greater heights and improved the quality of life in the two counties in presenting him the 2013 Herbert M. Davidson Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service.

"His personal vision has helped advance (ERAU) to the vanguard of world-class technological universities, creating high-value opportunities in applied research and private industry that will impact our community, socially and economically, for generations to come," former Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey said.

Ritchey, who served as the emcee during the 21st annual award dinner, said as a colleague of Johnson's in multiple campaigns and fundraising efforts, he knows firsthand how Johnson represented Volusia and Flagler counties in a model fashion as both a community advocate and successful leader in the field of higher education.

Johnson also serves as the chair of the Halifax Health Board of Commissioners, a position Ritchey and others said contributed to Johnson deserving the award.

"He's led by example," said Bill Ward, director of the Community Foundation, a division of United Way. "He'll make a great addition to the group, and we look forward to him joining the committee (of previous honorees) next year."

The Herbert M. Davidson award is presented annually to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a career of exceptional leadership in voluntary service to the community and is named for the former owner and publisher of The News-Journal.

"I am really humbled by this recognition," Johnson said. "I really hope I made a difference."

He spoke about Embry-Riddle's mission of giving back to the community and said: "I'm very happy to be a citizen of Daytona Beach. What a cool place. By giving to others you truly receive and I feel that here."

Johnson noted that proceeds from the dinner were going to the Food Brings Hope charity. He urged everyone to do what they can to help homeless children in community.

Area leaders and officials not only praised Johnson during the dinner, but made a few jokes, too.

"We had similar career paths except for that education thing," Ritchey said. "We both married up. He would have been a hell of a car salesman."

Area developer Mori Hosseini quipped that Johnson deserved the award "so that he can get his name in The News-Journal one more time."

Johnson's wife, Maurie, and several of their children attended the dinner.

"My dad taught me to really listen." said his oldest son Michael. "You have been a remarkable role model all my life and I'm very proud."

<p>DAYTONA BEACH -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President John Johnson was honored Thursday night for his volunteerism, philanthropy and impact on the community. </p><p>The Community Foundation of Volusia & Flagler said Johnson has steered Embry-Riddle to greater heights and improved the quality of life in the two counties in presenting him the 2013 Herbert M. Davidson Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service.</p><p>"His personal vision has helped advance (ERAU) to the vanguard of world-class technological universities, creating high-value opportunities in applied research and private industry that will impact our community, socially and economically, for generations to come," former Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey said. </p><p> Ritchey, who served as the emcee during the 21st annual award dinner, said as a colleague of Johnson's in multiple campaigns and fundraising efforts, he knows firsthand how Johnson represented Volusia and Flagler counties in a model fashion as both a community advocate and successful leader in the field of higher education. </p><p>Johnson also serves as the chair of the Halifax Health Board of Commissioners, a position Ritchey and others said contributed to Johnson deserving the award. </p><p>"He's led by example," said Bill Ward, director of the Community Foundation, a division of United Way. "He'll make a great addition to the group, and we look forward to him joining the committee (of previous honorees) next year." </p><p>The Herbert M. Davidson award is presented annually to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a career of exceptional leadership in voluntary service to the community and is named for the former owner and publisher of The News-Journal. </p><p>"I am really humbled by this recognition," Johnson said. "I really hope I made a difference." </p><p>He spoke about Embry-Riddle's mission of giving back to the community and said: "I'm very happy to be a citizen of Daytona Beach. What a cool place. By giving to others you truly receive and I feel that here." </p><p>Johnson noted that proceeds from the dinner were going to the Food Brings Hope charity. He urged everyone to do what they can to help homeless children in community. </p><p> Area leaders and officials not only praised Johnson during the dinner, but made a few jokes, too. </p><p> "We had similar career paths except for that education thing," Ritchey said. "We both married up. He would have been a hell of a car salesman." </p><p>Area developer Mori Hosseini quipped that Johnson deserved the award "so that he can get his name in The News-Journal one more time." </p><p>Johnson's wife, Maurie, and several of their children attended the dinner. </p><p>"My dad taught me to really listen." said his oldest son Michael. "You have been a remarkable role model all my life and I'm very proud."</p>